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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #301037
Title: Promises and challenges of genomics for rice pathology

Author
item Jia, Yulin
item Lin, Michael
item Bianco, Tracy

Submitted to: Rice Technical Working Group Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2014
Publication Date: 12/15/2014
Citation: Jia, Y., Lin, M.J., Bianco, T.A. 2014. Promises and challenges of genomics for rice pathology. Proc. 35th Rice Tech. Work. Group Meet., New Orleans, LA, p.94. Feb 18-21, 2014. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Publically available genome sequences of Magnaporthe oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, and Oryza sativa are being used to study host-pathogen interactions. Comparative genomic analyses on natural alleles of major resistance (R) genes and the corresponding avirulence (AVR) genes have provided new clues for a better understanding of the co-evolutionary dynamics of critical host and pathogen genes that are involved in host resistance and susceptibility. For the past two years, the molecular rice pathology program of the USDA Agricultural Research Service has been focusing on the following areas: 1) analysis of evolutionary dynamics of three major blast R genes, Pi-ta, Pi-t, and Pi-d2; 2) fine mapping of a major sheath blight resistant QTL on chromosome 9; 3) development of user friendly DNA markers for breeders to use via a marker assisted breeding approach and useful genetic stocks and germplasm with two or more major blast R genes; 4) analysis of the resistant roles of major and minor R genes in selected germplasm and mapping populations; and 5) analysis of the genetic identity and expression changes of field isolates of M. oryzae and R. solani to predict stability of deployed resistance. A wide range of molecular techniques involved in DNA sequencing and analysis using Vector NTI, MEGA, and CLC Genomics; protein-protein interactions using yeast two-hybrid systems; and gene expression using DNA microarray, Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS), RNAseq, and real time (RT) PCR are being used interchangeably for achieving planned objectives. Recent accomplishments and challenges of the application of genomic information for rice pathology and crop protection will be presented.